When the pandemic hit in March 2020, the oral history project that I have facilitated with my upper level Spanish elective since 2012, “We, the People: Voices of the Immigrant City” went remote. We called that season “Remote Oral History: Physically Distant. Socially Connected.” and doubled down on our commitment to continue documenting voices of Lawrence community members, many of whom suddenly found themselves on the frontlines of a global crisis.

As the pandemic raged into a second year, so too did our collection of oral testimonies continue to reflect history in the making. We recorded a dozen stories in those two seasons and seven of them have been included in a recently published collection called COVID Conversations: Voices from Lawrence & Lowell, Massachusetts, from Loom Press and available at the Lawrence History Center, El Taller, The Andover Bookstore, and on Amazon.

This book was put together as we culminated 10 seasons of oral history in the Immigrant City and is a testament to the power and resilience of two vibrant gateway cities. If you are able, please pick up a copy of the book from one of our local vendors or online. Also, look out for an expanded and dynamic exhibit on the history of Lawrence, soon to be installed at the Lawrence Heritage State Park, featuring previously collected oral histories as well as an opportunity to lend your own voice to the story of Lawrence.

Thanks to the oral history narrators for 10 amazing seasons of “We, the People.” While the Spanish class is currently on hiatus, the spirit remains alive and well. Stay tuned for more oral histories in the Merrimack Valley, TBD!